Re: Penny
 

That’s a good idea, thanks! I will still be pulling the bed off at some point, but right now the focus is to get a working drivetrain back in.

Re: Penny
 

I had a tough time making a decision, but I picked up a used 350 tonight that runs great, 40psi of oil at idle, and compression tested at 125 on all 8 cylinders with all 8 jumping above 100 on first compression stroke. It’s probably only an 8.5:1 cr engine, but that means I can run 87 all day long with no worries. It was pulled from a 71 Blazer about 5 years ago when the owner decided to have a 383 put in. The 350 has been sitting inside a shop since it was pulled. Fired right up with no problems, well, except for the one spark plug wire that wasn’t connected at the dizzy. Needs a little cleaning from sitting and probably going to change up the color in the process. Since it sat for as long as it did, I think I ought to throw a gasket set at it. It is a 2 piece rear main seal, so that’s really the driving point for new gaskets.

Re: Penny
 

Once again, Frankentruck goes on a parts run for Penny. Today’s grab is a clutch pedal assembly! Since the TH350 was very sad in reverse, I’m doing the right thing and just swapping over to a manual. I still haven’t nailed down exactly which transmission, but with the 2.73 rear gear in Penny, I need something with a somewhat steep first gear. The current top two choices is a Saginaw 4 speed with the 3.50:1 first gear and an s10 5 speed. I think that either will work, but I’m more concerned that the T5 will not handle the 350 too well. I don’t know for sure though, so I need to do some more research.

Re: Penny
 

I like the manual-swap!

Re: Penny
 

You a Street Smart and that T5 will work for you.

If that is what you choose.

It not like you are taking it to the Drag Strip to run the 1/8 mile. ;)

Re: Penny
 

It's something I was set on doing since I picked it up!

Well, I actually do want to run Penny at the drag strip and also dabble in some autocross. Heck, I might even try some drifting just for the fun of it. Penny is more of my "hot rod" truck than Frankentruck, so some abuse will be happening to the drivetrain.

With that being said, I'm concerned that any t5 will end up dying sooner rather than later with my planned driving style. Yeah, the 2.73 rear doesn't help with the hot rod aspect, but if I can set it up with a transmission to help overcome that rear gear, I'm good with not having an overdrive transmission.

Re: Penny
 

Well, I did not see that coming. ;)

That T5 will hold up till it breaks.:lol:

If you put a Low profile tire it will help with the 2:73 Ratio.
That could be a good combo with the 5 speed and 2:73 and smaller tire diameter.

This Fall they do have an Autocross at the C10 Nationals at The Superspeedway :ito:

Re: Penny
 

Finally got fully up to date on this and Frankentruck. Glad to see you are still going at it with them.

Re: Penny
 

Thanks for reading! Progress will be slow until April 15th as it’s tax season. I don’t have much daylight to work on the trucks after work, but I’m making progress when I can.

Re: Penny
 

If I don’t stop pulling parts off this truck, I’m gonna eventually get down to a bare frame :lol:

With the engine and transmission out, I figured now would be a great time clean up under the hood. The passenger inner fender has multiple rust holes under the battery tray, so I’ve got a new one to replace that with. Also pulled the driver’s side to make cleaning it up easier. It’s still in good shape, so just some new paint will do. That also gives better access to repaint the frame rails and rest of the front suspension that I didn’t do.

I also have decided to replace the brake booster since it’s the original and I’m worried that it will fail at an inopportune moment. Cheaper to replace now than to fight with insurance after running into something.

I’m 100% committed to the manual swap now. Since I was in deep enough to remove the booster from the brake pedal, I went ahead and pulled the steering column out and removed the automatic brake pedal. I already have a set of clutch pedals to put back in, just need to clean them up, replace anything that’s worn and repaint.

I am planning to put the automatic column back in, however if I end up finding a 4 speed tilt column that works with the original wiring, I’ll go with that. I doubt I’ll find one of those, so I’m good with the auto. I plan to just bypass the neutral safety switch. My 63 doesn’t have a nss, so I’m used to starting a vehicle without one :lol:

If you’re wondering about the yellow tape, it’s to keep any critters from getting into my cab! I was fully expecting a rats nest inside the a/c box, but pleased to find what looks to be just some 20+ year old tree debris. The heater core leaks, so I’ll be replacing that as well as converting the a/c to 134a.

We are getting some somewhat ok weather for the next week or so. It might be in the dark, but my next plan of attack will be to replace all the sketchy brake hoses, put new seals in the calipers, new wheel cylinders and shoes for the rear, and new master and booster. Being a Georgia truck since new, the original hard lines are still in good shape.

Re: Penny
 

Oofta, it’s been awhile since I’ve done any work to Penny. Haven’t had much of a desire to work on her the past couple months, but that fire has been re-lit.

The pollen has finally left enough for me to actually be able to lay down some paint. Got the frame painted today and cleaned and painted several of the clutch parts. Should be able to start putting stuff back on soon!

Re: Penny
 

Looks like a TH400

Re: Penny
 

Def beyond the point of no return rofl. Glad to see that you are making progress.

Re: Penny
 

It's a th350, but doesn't really matter anymore since a Saginaw 4 speed is going in.

Slowly but surely, progress shall be made. Got the passenger side suspension back together this evening. That was a slight struggle with no engine weight, but the drop springs helped make it a possibility. Will hopefully get the rest of the suspension back in by the end of the week.

Re: Penny
 

Front suspension back together, final tourqes with full weight on it still needed, lots of small bolts and bits painted up in the front yard paint booth, re-assembled brake and clutch pedal after paint and re-installed over the past few weeks, and just got the steering column and wheel back in tonight. Progress is slow, but still happening. Next up needs to be running new brake lines before the engine and transmission goes back in. Guess it’s time to make another parts order :lol:

Re: Penny
 

I noticed that you have the large over center style clutch pedal spring which I just recently came to knowledge of with my new to me 78 c20, my clutch pedal bushings were completely shot so I attempted to remove the pedal arm from under the dash, that spring is a real dog. I'm curious how you got that spring back on?
Maybe it's easier putting back on then taking off I don't know I haven't tried it yet lol

Re: Penny
 

I got my pedals out of a 77 cab, so makes sense on why it's similar to yours. I didn't have to struggle much with the spring. I forget which way I went with the pedal, but it was loose enough to put the hooks around the posts and then I was able to pull the pedal into place. I was doing this with the whole assembly out of the truck, so that might have made it easier.

I will also say that the pedal pads were extensively worn when I got the pedals, so it wouldn't surprise me if my return spring has well over 150k or more miles on it, so it's possible that the spring is more worn out than your 78

Re: Penny
 

The frame looks good. And nice job on detailing up even the small parts.